Self-Driving Vehicle Pilot Scheme: Application Guidance for Spring 2026
Summary
The UK Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and Department for Transport published guidance on 31 March 2026 outlining the application process for self-driving vehicle pilot deployments. From spring 2026, companies may apply to operate commercial self-driving vehicle services without a safety driver on roads in England, Scotland, and Wales. The guidance covers safety, operational, and reporting requirements for applicants.
What changed
The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) and Department for Transport published guidance establishing the framework for a self-driving vehicle pilot scheme opening for applications in spring 2026. This is the first formal programme allowing companies to seek approval for commercial autonomous vehicle services without a safety driver present on UK roads. The guidance outlines the application process and sets out safety, operational, and reporting requirements that applicants must meet.
Companies seeking to deploy self-driving vehicles commercially in England, Scotland, and Wales should review this guidance to understand the application requirements and prepare submissions for the spring 2026 launch. The pilot scheme represents a significant regulatory development for the autonomous vehicle industry in the UK, creating a structured pathway for commercial deployment that was previously unavailable. Applicants should ensure their proposed operations and safety protocols align with the requirements specified in the guidance.
What to do next
- Review the application requirements in the published guidance
- Prepare application materials for spring 2026 submission
- Ensure compliance with stated safety, operational and reporting requirements
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Guidance
Self-driving vehicle pilot scheme: information for applicants
Outlines the application process and safety, operational and reporting requirements for self-driving vehicle pilot deployments.
From: Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and Department for Transport Published 31 March 2026 Get emails about this page
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Documents
Self-driving vehicle pilot scheme: information for applicants
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Details
From spring 2026 companies can apply to run commercial services using self-driving vehicles without a safety driver on roads in England, Scotland and Wales.
This guidance explains what you need to do to prepare an application for the self-driving vehicle pilot scheme.
Published 31 March 2026 Get emails about this page Print this page
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